Forest fires in the Var and Corsica during France's third heat wave of 2026

Herz — Climate Desk · 20 July 2026 at 04:45 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What we know

Several forest fires broke out across southern France on July 20, 2026, during the year's third heat wave, according to Zeit.de. Heat and drought accelerated the rapid spread of flames.

In Taradeau, in the Var department, over 600 firefighters are engaged against the most violent fire. By evening, the flames remained uncontrolled.

Wind is pushing flames toward the nearby town of Les Arcs-sur-Argens. One hundred fifty people have been evacuated between the two municipalities and several homes destroyed.

Corsica: Two simultaneous fires

In northern Corsica, two fires have been burning simultaneously for approximately a week, triggered by lightning strikes. Water-bombing aircraft and helicopters are supporting firefighters on the ground.

Near Albertacce, one of the fires destroyed over 320 hectares. More than 160 firefighters are engaged there, but the mountainous terrain makes operations particularly difficult.

Fontainebleau Forest also affected

South of Paris, Fontainebleau Forest lost approximately 2,000 hectares in a fire.

European context

Fires have also struck Spain, Portugal, and Greece in this same context of heat and drought.